– by Gillian Crowley –
What to do if you notice a stranger in a neighbour’s yard acting a bit suspiciously? You could call 9-1-1 but what if it turns out to be an innocent visitor? Or you could phone the neighbours – oh darn, you don’t have their number and/or their last name. This is the type of scenario the Block Watch program is designed to avoid.
Block Watch, originally called Neighbourhood Watch, was introduced in Seattle in 1973 to decrease residential break-ins through organized neighbourhood participation. It’s based on the idea that your neighbour is your best burglar deterrent. Block Watch programs on the Peninsula are run out of the Saanich and Central Saanich Police Services offices and the North Saanich/Sidney RCMP office, usually under the direction of auxiliary officers. Anyone interested in starting the program on their street can contact the relevant office.
As the name suggests, Block Watch encourages neighbours to be alert and provides valuable tips on protecting property and personal security (see sidebar tips). At the initial Block Watch meeting, the BW coordinator or a police officer will show a short DVD on the program and respond to residents’ questions and security concerns. Participants also share their phone numbers and email addresses with a neighbour designated as BW captain, and with each other if desired. The captain’s role is to hold annual get-togethers to update neighbours and keep the program current. To qualify, BW captains are required to go through a security check to ensure there are no past issues with the law.
Block Watch participants receive a brief manual that outlines the program and provides helpful tips on home security and property identification. One useful tool is a “Suspect Identification Form” that helps people be more attentive to distinguishing characteristics of a suspect. Tattoos, for example, can help to ID a suspect. This first meeting is a good way to get to meet other residents and raise any security concerns. An additional benefit is that many home insurance companies offer a discount to members of Block Watch.
Years ago in Calgary I experienced the program in action. Our house guests were caught in a heavy downpour as they got off the bus near our home. On the spur of the moment, they decided to take a shortcut down the lane and boosted their young son over the back fence so that he could unlock the gate. Before the three of them had made it to our back door, a neighbour several houses away phoned to ask: did I know there were three people in our backyard? We shared a good laugh, but I appreciated her checking with me. The fact we’d held a neighbourhood meeting recently ensured that even though she was new to the street, she had my phone number.
Although we are fortunate not to have much crime on the Peninsula, it’s always good to know what to do if something strange is going on. Even if it just turns out to be soaking wet house guests!
